Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Recap: 2013 Spanish Grand Prix is Catalan for 'Lottery' and 'More pit stops']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/recap-2013-spanish-grand-prix-is-catalan-for-lottery-and-mor/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/recap-2013-spanish-grand-prix-is-catalan-for-lottery-and-mor/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/recap-2013-spanish-grand-prix-is-catalan-for-lottery-and-mor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



This year's Formula One season might qualify as being just as crazy as last year's, only it's a different kind of crazy. Instead of a new winner every Sunday, how the winner actually manages to take the victory is the mystery, and just when we thought the season might have settled into a groove regarding team performance, here comes the Spanish Grand Prix to remind us that we don't know anything until the race has been run.

There were many similarities to past weekends to being this one: Mercedes-AMG Petronas showed awesome one-lap pace, Fernando Alonso did well enough in qualifying to get fifth on the grid but talked up the race pace of the Ferrari, Kimi Räikkönen was the equivalent of a racing photobomber, never saying much but always showing up in the picture, Felipe Massa wasn't really big on the tires and McLaren might want to consider starting a blues band they spend so much time singing them.

Then the lights went green and things went nuts...

Continue reading Recap: 2013 Spanish Grand Prix is Catalan for 'Lottery' and 'More pit stops'

Recap: 2013 Spanish Grand Prix is Catalan for 'Lottery' and 'More pit stops' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 spanish grand prixf1felipe massafernando alonsoFerrariformula 1formula oneinfiniti red bull racingkimi raikkonenlewis hamiltonlotusmercedes-amgnico rosbergspanish grand prixTue, 14 May 2013 09:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567561/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/recap-2013-spanish-grand-prix-is-catalan-for-lottery-and-mor/20567561/article-detail.xml 20567561 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/sgp09b_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/sgp09b.jpg <![CDATA[Race Recap: 2013 Bahrain Grand Prix follows the template of this year and last [spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/race-recap-2013-bahrain-grand-prix-follows-the-template-of-this/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/race-recap-2013-bahrain-grand-prix-follows-the-template-of-this/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/race-recap-2013-bahrain-grand-prix-follows-the-template-of-this/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



The sand, the wind, the penalties, the contact and the one crash - all of them collided to make the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix a surprise affair from day to day and lap to lap. Oh, and did we mention the tires? Pirelli made a last-minute swap after the amusement park ride that the Chinese Grand Prix turned into with the soft compound tire, and brought medium and hard compounds to the desert. That didn't stop things from falling apart for some teams - literally - and that didn't stop the one team that seems to love the hard compound Pirelli tire.

Continue reading Race Recap: 2013 Bahrain Grand Prix follows the template of this year and last [spoilers]

Race Recap: 2013 Bahrain Grand Prix follows the template of this year and last [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 bahrain grand prixbahrain grand prixf1fernando alonsoferrariformula onegrand prixinfinitiinfiniti red bull racingkimi raikkonenlewis hamiltonlotusred bullromain grosjeansebastian vettelMon, 22 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546744/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/22/race-recap-2013-bahrain-grand-prix-follows-the-template-of-this/20546744/article-detail.xml 20546744 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bgp1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bgp1.jpg <![CDATA[Race Recap: 2013 Chinese Grand Prix a test of tires, carnage and a fight for second [spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/race-recap-2013-chinese-grand-prix-a-test-of-tires-carnage-and/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/race-recap-2013-chinese-grand-prix-a-test-of-tires-carnage-and/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/race-recap-2013-chinese-grand-prix-a-test-of-tires-carnage-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



Formula One fans and commentators have spent the three weeks since the Malaysian Grand Prix discussing two things more than any other: that pass, and tires. Sebastian Vettel spent days giving his tongue an Olympic workout on the verbal gymnastics parallel bars before finally admitting he passed his Infiniti Red Bull teammate Mark Webber on purpose partly for reasons of payback, partly out of a desire to win - he doesn't apologize for it and he would do it again.

Then came those Pirellis - every single driver and team representative interview touches on how important it is to understand the tires and manage their degradation. Two races in, though, it seems no team has any clue yet how to make the race-weekend compounds work predictably. The only thing predictable about the soft compound tires that Pirelli brought to China was that they would last for six laps, and that led to an odd qualifying session with drivers reluctant to leave the pits or even set a time.

It also led to the first pole position for an Englishman in a Mercedes-Benz since Stirling Moss did it in 1955.

Continue reading Race Recap: 2013 Chinese Grand Prix a test of tires, carnage and a fight for second [spoilers]

Race Recap: 2013 Chinese Grand Prix a test of tires, carnage and a fight for second [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chinese grand prixchinese grand prixEsteban Gutierrezf1fernando alonsoforce indiaformula onegrand prixjenson buttonlewis hamiltonmclarenrenaultsaubersebastian vettelsergio perezMon, 15 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20540353/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/15/race-recap-2013-chinese-grand-prix-a-test-of-tires-carnage-and/20540353/article-detail.xml 20540353 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/china-f1-gp-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/china-f1-gp-1.jpg <![CDATA[Ford bondage ads reportedly trigger firings at Indian ad agency]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/ford-bondage-ads-reportedly-trigger-firings-at-indian-ad-agency/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/ford-bondage-ads-reportedly-trigger-firings-at-indian-ad-agency/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/ford-bondage-ads-reportedly-trigger-firings-at-indian-ad-agency/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ford Figo India cartoon ad with Paris Hilton driving bound and gagged Kardashian family in trunk

You will probably remember the ads for the Ford Figo hatchback in India, the ones that showcased the extra large boot of the little hatchback by joking that you can fit three of your enemies in the trunk. One of the ads had Michael Schumacher in the front seat, obviously pleased about having Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso tied up in the back. But the other two had Paris Hilton and ex-Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi up front and three bound and gagged women in the back - in Hilton's case (shown above), it was the Kardashians.

This did not go over well, and Reuters reports that certain employees at JWT India have been fired over the matter. It is also reported that the images weren't actual advertisements, nor were they part of an actual campaign; JWT said they "were never intended for paid publication, were never requested by our Ford client." A JWT rep said the employees who created the ads did so on their own, Ford commented to Automotive News that the ads were "part of a creative exercise intended to test concepts for an advertising competition."

The problem, if the story is to be believed, is that the employees skipped the regular review protocols and uploaded their work to an ad industry site - they were found on Ads of the World. That page, like the employees, has been removed.

Ford bondage ads reportedly trigger firings at Indian ad agency originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fernando alonsofordford figoford indiaford india sexist adsindiajwtkardashiankim kardashianlewis hamiltonmichael schumachersebastian vettelsexist adssilvio berlusconiWed, 27 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20519764/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/27/ford-bondage-ads-reportedly-trigger-firings-at-indian-ad-agency/20519764/article-detail.xml 20519764 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/fordfigoindiaad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/fordfigoindiaad.jpg <![CDATA[Race Recap: 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix is a fool in the rain]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/race-recap-2013-malaysian-grand-prix-is-a-fool-in-the-rain/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/race-recap-2013-malaysian-grand-prix-is-a-fool-in-the-rain/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/race-recap-2013-malaysian-grand-prix-is-a-fool-in-the-rain/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Humidity, hunger and heartbreak were the takeaways from the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix. A proper track with a wider variety of straights and corners than the street circuit in Australia, the second race of the season was expected to be a better test of the performance of the 11 teams on the grid. It was also supposed to be a more accurate test of the Pirelli tires, the bits of rubber at the four corners of the car still at the top of the performance agenda for all the top teams except for McLaren, which even larger issues with its new car to deal with.

Then it rained. Then it rained some more. Then it rained so hard just before the race that numerous drivers slid off the track on the parade lap. Then came the race, and then came the figurative tears and ones of the crocodile variety as well.

Continue reading Race Recap: 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix is a fool in the rain

Race Recap: 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix is a fool in the rain originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1felipe massafernando alonsoferrariformula oneinfiniti red bulllewis hamiltonmalaysiamalaysian gpmark webbermercedes-amg petronasnico rosbergsebastian vettelMon, 25 Mar 2013 15:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20516110/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/25/race-recap-2013-malaysian-grand-prix-is-a-fool-in-the-rain/20516110/article-detail.xml 20516110 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/malaysiaf1gp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/malaysiaf1gp.jpg <![CDATA[Ford of India in hot water for Figo celebrity bondage ads]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/22/ford-of-india-in-hot-water-for-figo-celebrity-bondage-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/22/ford-of-india-in-hot-water-for-figo-celebrity-bondage-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/22/ford-of-india-in-hot-water-for-figo-celebrity-bondage-ads/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Apparently sensibilities in India, at least in the case of some Ford marketing partners, are downright lascivious at times. Case in point are a new series of print ads, presumably touting the vast cargo capacity of the Ford Figo hatchback, that involve more than a whiff of T&A, S&M and other sexy abbreviations.

In all seriousness, the advertising campaign is taking some major heat in the Indian press for being outrageously sexist. All three images - which seem to be produced by a graphic artist with some Heavy Metal work in his/her portfolio - show bound and gagged people stuffed into the Figo's boot. With a tagline reads, "Leave Your Worries Behind." one version features a peace-sign throwing Silvio Berlusconi holding hostage three buxom and barely clad women, all wearing ball gags with hands and feet bound. Charming. Another version shows Paris Hilton ­similarly kidnapping a trio of Kardashians, while a third (tame in terms of the clothing at least), has Michael Schumacher toting Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso, and Lewis Hamilton.

Clearly in bad taste, at least, the Indian source also questions the timing of these risqué Ford ads, as the follow by days new anti-rape legislation passed by the Indian Parliament. Ford has responded in a statement, that it and its advertising partner (JWT India) "deeply regret" the ads, and claim that they "never should have happened."

Ford of India in hot water for Figo celebrity bondage ads originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A pre-season full of talking points was swapped for a brand-new set of talking points after the running of the opening grand prix of the 2013 Formula One season. The consistency of the regulations from last year to this year and the triplicate dominance of Infiniti Red Bull Racing meant that no one would have been that surprised if the relative order of things remained the same. But teams found so many ways to switch things up that, in typical pre-season fashion, no one was ready to make any bets on in-season performance, and a couple of surprising players suffered the ignominy of getting it really wrong: McLaren knew it was in trouble from the very first test, while Williams drivers applauded their car as the best in years, only to have Pastor Maldonado call it "undriveable" on the very first day of practice in Melbourne.

And then there were those Pirellis, the Italian company talking up the fact that its super soft tires would only go off so quickly that it would force teams to pit at least twice during the race.
Even then, no one could have seen the first round of pit stops beginning on Lap 5.

Nevertheless, someone had to win the 58-lap race - and that someone did it in what is becoming his usual style.

Continue reading Recap: 2013 Australian Formula One Grand Prix is all about the rubber [w/spoilers]

Recap: 2013 Australian Formula One Grand Prix is all about the rubber [w/spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Mar 2013 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 australian grand prixadrian sutilaustralian grand prixf1fernando alonsoferrariformula 1formula onegrand prixinfiniti red bullkimi raikkonenlewis hamiltonlotussebastian vetteltorro rossoSun, 17 Mar 2013 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20507196/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/17/recap-2013-australian-formula-one-grand-prix-is-all-about-the-r/20507196/article-detail.xml 20507196 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ausf101_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ausf101.jpg <![CDATA[Lego Ferrari Formula 1 car unveiled in Australia]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/lego-ferrari-formula-1-car-unveiled-in-australia/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/lego-ferrari-formula-1-car-unveiled-in-australia/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/lego-ferrari-formula-1-car-unveiled-in-australia/#commentsFiled under: ,



We have enough Lego fans on the Autoblog team that, were cars wiped off the face of the Earth tomorrow, our fall-back plan would be to launch Legoblog: We Obsessively Cover The Lego Industry. So a full-size Ferrari F1 car made entirely out of Lego bricks is something that's sure to catch our attention.

Unveiled yesterday by Ferrari drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa in Australia ahead of the season-opening Melbourne Grand Prix, this 1:1 scale model of the team's 2011 Ferrari F150 Italia car is a highly accurate recreation of the real thing. While Ferrari hasn't released too many details about it (a brick count would be nice), we do know that the car has real Pirelli race tires and a seat that can actually accommodate a driver. Once buckled in, though, everything within arms reach is made of Lego, including the complicated F1 steering wheel.

The Lego F1 car is part of a promotion between Ferrari and Shell that's been going on for some time. In some places of the world (not the US, though), if you stop at a Shell station and refuel, you can purchase these special mini Ferrari Lego kits that feature six of the Italian brand's greatest creations: the F40, 458 Italia, FXX, 250 GT Berlinetta, the Scuderia Ferrari Truck and even a pint-sized version of this F150 Italia. Or you could just buy the full set on eBay, which features a mark up in price worthy of the Ferrari name.

Continue reading Lego Ferrari Formula 1 car unveiled in Australia

Lego Ferrari Formula 1 car unveiled in Australia originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>felipe massafernando alonsoferrarilegolego ferrari f1 carmelbournemelbourne grand prixFri, 15 Mar 2013 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20505641/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/15/lego-ferrari-formula-1-car-unveiled-in-australia/20505641/article-detail.xml 20505641 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ferrari-f1-f150-lego-06-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ferrari-f1-f150-lego-06-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari fails to take F1 driver's title from Vettel on questionable pass]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/ferrari-fails-to-take-f1-drivers-title-from-vettel-on-questiona/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/ferrari-fails-to-take-f1-drivers-title-from-vettel-on-questiona/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/ferrari-fails-to-take-f1-drivers-title-from-vettel-on-questiona/#commentsFiled under: , ,

F1 racer Sebastian Vettel at press conference with Fernando Alonso

On November 25, Sebastian Vettel took sixth place at the Brazilian Gran Prix, earning him enough points to take the 2012 Formula One Driver's Championship. It wouldn't be an F1 season finale without some drama, though, and this season, it came in the form of allegations by Ferrari that the Red Bull driver made an illegal pass under a yellow light.

Ferrari is looking into on-board footage that may show Vettel passing Toro Rosso driver Jean-Eric Vergne, which would have resulted in a 20-second penalty if discovered during the race. If that had happened, it would have resulted in Vettel falling to eighth place, which would have caused him to lose the Driver's Championship by a single point to Fernando Alonso and the Ferrari team.

Ferrari has asked the FIA to review the footage, but it is reportedly unlikely that the Formula One governing body will penalize Vettel. According to the UK's Telegraph, the FIA has taken the position that it will not apply penalties retroactively, and to do so would reverse that stance.

Ferrari fails to take F1 driver's title from Vettel on questionable pass originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazil gpbrazilian gran prixf1fernando alonsoformula 1formula onered bull racingsebastian vetteltoro rossovettelFri, 30 Nov 2012 15:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20391256/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/30/ferrari-fails-to-take-f1-drivers-title-from-vettel-on-questiona/20391256/article-detail.xml 20391256 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/vettel-alonso_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/vettel-alonso.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Brazilian Grand Prix: The circle is complete, and what a circle it's been [spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/2012-brazilian-grand-prix-the-circle-is-complete-and-what-a-ci/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/2012-brazilian-grand-prix-the-circle-is-complete-and-what-a-ci/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/2012-brazilian-grand-prix-the-circle-is-complete-and-what-a-ci/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The track between the lakes, the Circuit d'Interlagos in Sao Paulo, Brazil, yet again served up a fitting finale to the Formula One season. There were all kinds of ways for the two Driver's Championship contenders - Sebastian Vettel in the Red Bull and Fernando Alonso in the Ferrari - to win and lose during the 71 laps of the Brazilian Grand Prix, and that was before the rain, before the yellow flags and safety car periods, and before the accidents.

The World Championship lead swapped hands at least three times during the race. By the end of Lap One, in fact, it was a fair question if either driver would have hands, or a car, steady enough to hold it...

Continue reading 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix: The circle is complete, and what a circle it's been [spoilers]

2012 Brazilian Grand Prix: The circle is complete, and what a circle it's been [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 brazilian grand prixbrazilf1fernando alonsoferrariformula 1interlagosjenson buttonlewis hamiltonmclarenred bullsebastian vettelworld championshipMon, 26 Nov 2012 13:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20388045/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/26/2012-brazilian-grand-prix-the-circle-is-complete-and-what-a-ci/20388045/article-detail.xml 20388045 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/bgp1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/bgp1.jpg <![CDATA[2012 US Grand Prix, remember the <s>Alamo</s> Circuit of the Americas [spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/19/2012-us-grand-prix-remember-the-alamo-circuit-of-the-ame/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/19/2012-us-grand-prix-remember-the-alamo-circuit-of-the-ame/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/19/2012-us-grand-prix-remember-the-alamo-circuit-of-the-ame/#commentsFiled under:

F1 US Grand Prix graphic

There were 56 laps run in Austin's Travis County prairie to complete the inaugural United States Grand Prix at the newly minted Circuit of the Americas. Coming into the race, there were nothing but questions and calculations: Would the track be any good for Formula One? Could Red Bull Racing get the five points it needed to take the F1 Constructor's Championship? Would Turn One be the Golgotha everyone predicted? Would the race be the triumphal return to America that everyone was afraid to predict? Could Sauber get enough points to overhaul a struggling Mercedes-AMG Petronas team for fifth in the Constructor's Championship? Could Marussia manage a twelfth-placed finish to overhaul Caterham? Could official track ambassador Mario Andretti conduct a post-race interview?

And most importantly, could Sebastian Vettel put an end to the issue of the Driver's Championship? He would put up a Texas-sized fight...

Continue reading 2012 US Grand Prix, remember the Alamo Circuit of the Americas [spoilers]

2012 US Grand Prix, remember the Alamo Circuit of the Americas [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 us grand prixaustincircuit of the americascotaf1fernando alonsoferrariformula 1formula onelewis hamiltonred bullsebastian vetteltexasus grand prixusgpMon, 19 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20383111/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/19/2012-us-grand-prix-remember-the-alamo-circuit-of-the-ame/20383111/article-detail.xml 20383111 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/usgp1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/usgp1.jpg <![CDATA[Red Bull infographic compares and contrasts NASCAR and F1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/red-bull-infographic-compares-and-contrasts-nascar-and-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/red-bull-infographic-compares-and-contrasts-nascar-and-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/red-bull-infographic-compares-and-contrasts-nascar-and-f1/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

NASCAR versus Formula 1

In the US, Formula One racing lost the popularity contest to NASCAR a long time ago. But after five years, F1 returns to the States with this weekend's race at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Red Bull, sponsor of F1 driver Sebastian Vettel, has put together an interesting set of numbers illustrating the differences between the two racing series.

To start with, Formula One has just 24 drivers, while NASCAR fields 50 entrants. Stock cars can reach speeds of about 200 miles per hour, just a bit slower than F1's 205. But NASCAR drivers experience only about 2Gs of lateral force during, at most courses, only four left-hand turns. F1 drivers endure 5Gs in multiple left-and right-hand turns.

The Daytona 500, NASCAR's best-attended venue, counted 182,000 fans this year. Formula One's biggest attendance is at the Australian Grand Prix where 298,000 fans came out to watch. Those fans helped finance F1's best-paid driver, Fernando Alonso. He makes $37 million a year. NASCAR's Dale Earnhardt Jr. pulls in $28 million. That's an average of $1.85 million per race for Alonso, who only competes in 20 events. Earnhardt Jr., however, has 36 races to drive in and averages about $778,000 a race.

The infographic is fun, if a bit skewed against NASCAR, especially when considering Red Bull was a NASCAR driver sponsor until the end of the 2011 season. Sour grapes perhaps?

Check out the full graphic below.

Continue reading Red Bull infographic compares and contrasts NASCAR and F1

Red Bull infographic compares and contrasts NASCAR and F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto racingDale Earnhardt Jr.f1Fernando Alonsoformula 1formula onemotorsportsnascarracingred bullred bull f1red bull racingstock carsFri, 16 Nov 2012 17:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20382049/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/16/red-bull-infographic-compares-and-contrasts-nascar-and-f1/20382049/article-detail.xml 20382049 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/nascar-vs-f1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/nascar-vs-f1.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat confirms 500 Abarth Cabrio for LA with F1-inspired video]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/fiat-confirms-500-abarth-cabrio-for-la-with-f1-inspired-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/fiat-confirms-500-abarth-cabrio-for-la-with-f1-inspired-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/fiat-confirms-500-abarth-cabrio-for-la-with-f1-inspired-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fiat 500 Abarth Convertible video screen capture

In addition to the electric 500e, Fiat will be debuting a new 500 Abarth Cabrio under the lights of the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month. And to get everyone excited about the scorpion-stung droptop, Fiat has launched this promo video showing the cars zipping around a track at the hands of Ferrari Formula One drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa.

Fiat confirmed the car's LA debut in its one-sentence description of the video on the company's YouTube channel.

The Scuderia Ferrari drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa tested the Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio in Austin, Texas, in anticipation of its North American debut at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show.

There's a lot to love about the 500 Abarth - we've enjoyed it on several occasions - and we can only assume that this new Cabrio model won't disappoint. And how could it? After all, one of our favorite parts about the Abarth experience is the utterly amazing sound that shoots out of the tailpipes, and that aural pleasure will only be enhanced with the roof flipped back.

Scroll down to see the short video for yourself, and stay tuned for the full details as part of the LA Auto Show festivities.

Continue reading Fiat confirms 500 Abarth Cabrio for LA with F1-inspired video

Fiat confirms 500 Abarth Cabrio for LA with F1-inspired video originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 la auto show2013 fiat 500c abarth500500 abarth500 abarth convertible500c abarthfelipe massafernando alonsofiatformula onelala auto showvideoFri, 16 Nov 2012 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20382070/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/16/fiat-confirms-500-abarth-cabrio-for-la-with-f1-inspired-video/20382070/article-detail.xml 20382070 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/abarthvideo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/abarthvideo.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: The desert explodes, an old champion returns [spoilers, w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/05/2012-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-the-desert-explodes-an-old-champion/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/05/2012-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-the-desert-explodes-an-old-champion/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/05/2012-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-the-desert-explodes-an-old-champion/#commentsFiled under: ,



Valencia, a tight marina circuit, and Abu Dhabi, a flowing marina circuit, are annually among the top spots for the most boring Formula 1 races of the year. This year, however, during a season in which nothing has gone as usual - seven different winners in the first seven races, eight different winners throughout the year, just two races to go and both the driver's and constructor's championships still not decided - of course it is Valencia and Abu Dhabi that would provide two of the best races of the year.

What happened in the Emirates this weekend wasn't just a race, it was a melee, a medieval battle scene where everyone is thrown into the scrum and everything happens. Men clashed, men crashed, one man went flying and another was sent to an early grave retirement; one warrior did more with his weapon than many thought possible, another was pounded into the ground but fought his way back to the front, and an old warrior that we haven't heard from in a long time rose from the sands to claim the day.

And when the sun went down in the desert, the titanic clash for the World Championship honors still hadn't been decided.

Continue reading 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: The desert explodes, an old champion returns [spoilers, w/video]

2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: The desert explodes, an old champion returns [spoilers, w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 abu dhabi grand prixabu dhabif1fernando alonsoformula 1grand prixkimi raikkonenlewis hamiltonsebastian vettelMon, 05 Nov 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20370956/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/05/2012-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-the-desert-explodes-an-old-champion/20370956/article-detail.xml 20370956 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/ab0_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/ab0.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Indian Grand Prix: On a hazy day in Delhi, one man makes things very, very clear [spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/2012-indian-grand-prix-on-a-hazy-day-in-delhi-one-man-makes-th/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/2012-indian-grand-prix-on-a-hazy-day-in-delhi-one-man-makes-th/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/2012-indian-grand-prix-on-a-hazy-day-in-delhi-one-man-makes-th/#commentsFiled under:



For all those who love a parade - and that's supposedly everyone - the second-ever running of the Indian Grand Prix was a magnificent affair. The 2012 Formula One Championship has already been one that won't soon be forgotten, and even at the pointy end of the season, the standings are being upended and the competition still has some bite. The races themselves, on the other hand, are turning into replays of that movie we've all seen and that comes on cable every few weeks, but we watch it because we love it even though we know how it ends.

Since they say it's not the destination, it's the journey that matters, join us below while we examine what happened when red, scarlet, silver and black did battle at the Buddh International Circuit.

Continue reading 2012 Indian Grand Prix: On a hazy day in Delhi, one man makes things very, very clear [spoilers]

2012 Indian Grand Prix: On a hazy day in Delhi, one man makes things very, very clear [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Oct 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 indian grand prixf1featuredfernando alonsoferrariformula 1indian grand prixred bullsebastian vettelMon, 29 Oct 2012 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20363310/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/29/2012-indian-grand-prix-on-a-hazy-day-in-delhi-one-man-makes-th/20363310/article-detail.xml 20363310 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/indiagp1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/indiagp1.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Korean Grand Prix: Fast and steady wins the race, takes the lead in the Championship [spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/15/2012-korean-grand-prix-fast-and-steady-wins-the-race-takes-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/15/2012-korean-grand-prix-fast-and-steady-wins-the-race-takes-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/15/2012-korean-grand-prix-fast-and-steady-wins-the-race-takes-the/#commentsFiled under: ,



The Yeongnam track that hosts the Korean Grand Prix sees action just once a year, that being the Formula 1 race it was built to host. This year the word "action" is a barely accurate descriptor of what happened during the 55 laps, the suspense after qualifying and what the race result meant for certain drivers proving far more entertaining. But Ferrari's Fernando Alonso said after last week's Japanese Grand Prix, having had his once double-digit lead cut to four points, that we could look forward to a mini-season over the last five races between him and Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel.

And what better way to start one than by having the top two title contenders, two title hopefuls and four world champions in the starting five on the grid? If the grid positions meant it was game on, however, Alonso might be hoping that for the next three races he and Ferrari can play the game a little harder. Make that a lot harder.

Continue reading 2012 Korean Grand Prix: Fast and steady wins the race, takes the lead in the Championship [spoilers]

2012 Korean Grand Prix: Fast and steady wins the race, takes the lead in the Championship [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 korean grand prixf1Fernando Alonsoformula 1grand prixkorealewis hamiltonsebastian vettelsouth koreaMon, 15 Oct 2012 09:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20349898/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/15/2012-korean-grand-prix-fast-and-steady-wins-the-race-takes-the/20349898/article-detail.xml 20349898 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/kgp0_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/kgp0.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari 599XX Evo auctioned to Google exec for charity]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/11/ferrari-599xx-evo-auctioned-to-google-exec-for-charity/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/11/ferrari-599xx-evo-auctioned-to-google-exec-for-charity/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/11/ferrari-599xx-evo-auctioned-to-google-exec-for-charity/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ferrari auctioned off for charity

Google executive Benjamin Sloss recently took delivery of a very special Ferrari in a unique way. Sloss was the winning bidder in an charity auction of an ultra-rare Ferrari 599XX Evo hypercar. The proceeds of this auction went to benefit the victims of an earthquake that struck the Emiglia Romaga region of Italy in May of this year. The region is home to Modena, Maranello and Fiorano - all towns and cities that are significant to the Italian automaker. The winning bid of €1.4 million ($1.78 million) will go to victims in these cities, among others, in the region.

Sloss, who accepted the car in an event at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, had the car painted bright yellow. The high-performance machine was presented by Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo, accompanied by Scuderia Ferrari drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa.

The 599XX Evo won by the Google exec is a special machine, powered by a 740-horsepower V12, and equipped with active aerodynamics. It lapped the Nürburgring in a mere 6:58.16.

Sloss was quoted as saying that he was extremely happy to have contributed to the cause. The 599XX Evo was part of a series of auctions to raise money for victims. Other items included front bodywork and a V8 engine from a retired Formula One racecar. Also auctioned was a racing suit worn by former F1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella. All told, the auction raised close to $2.3 million.

Ferrari 599XX Evo auctioned to Google exec for charity originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>599599xx evobengamin slossfelipe massafernando alonsoferrariferrari 599xx evogoogleLuca di MontezemoloTue, 11 Sep 2012 18:41:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20319821/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/11/ferrari-599xx-evo-auctioned-to-google-exec-for-charity/20319821/article-detail.xml 20319821 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/ferrari-auction-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/ferrari-auction-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari, Lamborghini among car plants shut down following Italian earthquake]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/ferrari-lamborghini-among-car-plants-shut-down-following-italia/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/ferrari-lamborghini-among-car-plants-shut-down-following-italia/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/ferrari-lamborghini-among-car-plants-shut-down-following-italia/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Earthquake in Italy

An earthquake has rocked northern Italy once again, this time centered approximately 40 kilometers north of Bologna. Early reports indicate at least ten people have been killed in the shock and ensuing aftermath.

Reports from Italy also indicate that several automotive assembly plants and related facilities have temporarily ceased operations - more so that their employees can be with their families than due to actual damage to the facilities themselves.

Both Ferrari and its star driver Fernando Alonso tweeted in the aftermath of the event that the headquarters in Maranello was closing so that staff members could go home. Motorcycle manufacturer Ducati reportedly did the same at its headquarters located in Borgo Panigale, closer to Bologna. As did Lamborghini, whose factory in Sant'Agata is on the outskirts of Bologna, although no damage was yet reported to the location. However, the Maserati factory in nearby Modena was reportedly damaged, although to what extent remains unclear. Production is expected to resume again tomorrow.

Ferrari, Lamborghini among car plants shut down following Italian earthquake originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bolognaducatiearthquakefernando alonsoferrariitalyItaly earthquakelamborghinimaseratinatural disasterplant closureTue, 29 May 2012 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20246787/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/29/ferrari-lamborghini-among-car-plants-shut-down-following-italia/20246787/article-detail.xml 20246787 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/italyquake.c5f83249a5df4da38499fa5debf28934_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/italyquake.c5f83249a5df4da38499fa5debf28934.jpg <![CDATA[Fernando Alonso gets a Ferrari FF for winning the Malaysian Grand Prix]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/fernando-alonso-gets-a-ferrari-ff-for-winning-the-malaysian-gran/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/fernando-alonso-gets-a-ferrari-ff-for-winning-the-malaysian-gran/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/fernando-alonso-gets-a-ferrari-ff-for-winning-the-malaysian-gran/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Fernando Alonso's Ferrari FF

Even at a team like Ferrari (which has more grand prix victories to its name than any other team in Formula One - 217 to be specific), every win counts. Especially these days when they're far more scarce than they were in the Michael Schumacher days of back-to-back championships. So when Fernando Alonso took home the checkered flag in Malaysia this past weekend, there was cause for celebration in Maranello.

After winning the second race of the season and taking the lead in the standings, Alonso swung by Ferrari headquarters for a nice long chat with chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, some training in the on-site gym and the traditional raising of the flag to mark the occasion, after which the two-time world champion apparently was gifted a brand-spankin' new Ferrari FF.

Whether the four-seat, all-wheel-drive, V12-powered shooting brake was a bonus outlined in his contract or a simple gesture of appreciation from his employers is likely known only by Alonso, Montezemolo and very few others, but either way, we doubt Fernando is complaining. The FF joins a growing stable of cars the star driver has received since signing with Ferrari, including a custom 458 Italia, a Maserati GranTourismo Convertible, an Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari and a special edition Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. Nice work if you can get it.

Continue reading Fernando Alonso gets a Ferrari FF for winning the Malaysian Grand Prix

Fernando Alonso gets a Ferrari FF for winning the Malaysian Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alonsobonusfernando alonsoferrariferrari ffffgiftmaranelloWed, 28 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20201952/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/28/fernando-alonso-gets-a-ferrari-ff-for-winning-the-malaysian-gran/20201952/article-detail.xml 20201952 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/webalonso-ff_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/webalonso-ff.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari F12 Berlinetta gallops to Geneva [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/ferrari-f12-berlinetta-gallops-to-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/ferrari-f12-berlinetta-gallops-to-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/ferrari-f12-berlinetta-gallops-to-geneva/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

Three words: Fastest. Ferrari. Ever.

While the "F12berlinetta" F12 Berlinetta may have a name seemingly designed to drive English teachers (and website editors) insane, the 740-horsepower V12 is just plain demenziale. Making 509 lb-ft of torque, it's enough to propel the 3,362-pound car from 0-62 mph in just 3.1 seconds and 0-104 mph in 8.5 seconds, according to Ferrari. Of course, the true measure of any Prancing Horse is the lap around Fiorano, which the Maranello automaker says can be completed in just 1:23. (The previous record-holder was the 599 GTO at 1:24, while the Enzo clocked in at a leisurely 1:25.)

Ferrari says the new F12 Berlinetta has a lower and more rearward center of gravity thanks to a redesigned suspension and gearbox, with 54 percent of the weight resting over the rear tires. A 0.299 Cd and 76 percent more downforce allows a top speed of over 211 mph.

The F12 Berlinetta will be shown for the first time at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, and we'll be on hand to chronicle the festivities for your viewing enjoyment. While you wait, click past the jump to watch a pair of official videos and read the full press release.

Continue reading Ferrari F12 Berlinetta gallops to Geneva [w/videos]

Ferrari F12 Berlinetta gallops to Geneva [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 ferrari f12 berlinettaalonsof12f12 berlinettaf12berlinettafernando alonsoferrariferrari f12ferrari f12 berlinettaferrari f12berlinettagenevageneva 2012geneva motor showmassaWed, 29 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20182548/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/29/ferrari-f12-berlinetta-gallops-to-geneva/20182548/article-detail.xml 20182548 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2013-ferrari-f12-berlinetta-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2013-ferrari-f12-berlinetta-lead.jpg -1 2